With the rapid globalization of the world economy, the managers of a firm have to understand that their decisions will be greatly influenced by variables such as exchange rate policies, trade policies, international accounting standards, etc. The goal of this course is to help students understand how the managers of a firm function in this increasingly uncertain environment. This course will focus on four main areas of international finance: (1) key economic theories, (2) various financial instruments for risk management, (3) exchange risk management, and (4) international financing and investment issues.

1. Understand the environment and factors associated with foreign exchange rate determination.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of foreign exchange terminology.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the various forms of financial instruments available for foreign exchange risk management.
4. Understand key economic theories that underlie the foundation of foreign exchange risk management.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of basic strategies and techniques associated with foreign exchange risk management.
6. Use of a spreadsheet program to analyze data.
7. Use of the Internet to acquire necessary information.

Bus 261, Bus 262, Bus 271, and Bus 340.

1. Lecture outlines available on the course website.
2. Study Guide for Foundations of Multinational Financial Management (4th Edition) by Alan C. Shapiro

1. The Wall Street Journal
2. Business Week

Expectations

There are certain basic skills a student is expected to possess or acquire for this course:

1. Math skills
A student is expected to know the most basic math skills such as high school algebra for this course. If you feel that you are not proficient in such skills, it is highly recommended that you brush up on them as soon as possible.

2. Spreadsheet skills
A student is expected to know the most basic spreadsheet skills such as entering data, creating new columns and rows, creating basic formulas, etc. There will be several spreadsheet assignments throughout the semester that a student will need to use such skills.

3. Internet skills
Knowing how to use the Internet for research purposes has become an increasingly important skill for today's students. You are expected to acquire a variety of Internet skills such as sending e-mail, performing searches using search engine, etc. by the end of the semester.

If you do not have an e-mail account, you can request for one from the Academic Computing Lab website. However, if you already have an e-mail account with the college, with your workplace, or with an online service such as American Online, then you can simply use those e-mail accounts.

1. Attendance is expected for this course. Even though you have the lecture notes in advance, we do go over other examples in class that are not in the course packet. As a result, you might not be able to understand some of the materials if you miss classes.

2. Participation is essential in the classroom. Even though a student's grade is not dependent on classroom participation, it will become a factor when making decision on borderline cases.

3. Respect your classmates and refrain from unnecessary chatting during class. If you feel like you need to do so, please conduct such conversation outside the classroom.

4. We will be going over examples in class and many of them required the use of a calculator, so remember to bring one with you every time.

5. Unless under extreme circumstances, you need to provide the professor with acceptable excuses (at least 1 week in advance) if you are going to miss any of the exams. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the missed exam.

6. Each of the two exams has two parts: take-home and in-class. The take-home part is made up of problems and case studies, and the in-class part is made up of multiple choices and short answers. You are allowed to work as a group on the take-home part, but you need to turn in your own exam.

7. The College will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this course, please contact Ms. Maureen Connolly in the Learning Center at (630) 617-3763.

8. The Elmhurst College Student Code of Academic Conduct and Honesty outlined in the E-Book is strictly enforced in this class. Each student is responsible for knowing the penalties for academic dishonesty.